Method, device and composition for use in the maintenance of track equipment

ABSTRACT

Method for use in the maintenance of track equipment of the type comprising at least one movable element and a stationary element whose respective contact surfaces come into engagement with one another. The method is characterized by coating the contact surfaces with a given quantity of a composition comprising at least one product with lubrifying properties and a solvent with a high evaporation coefficient.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method, device and compositionintended for use in the maintenance of track equipment. The invention ismore particularly applicable in the domain of railway track equipment,and more particularly still, of switches or points.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known that railway track equipment requires relatively frequentmaintenance operations, consisting in particular in coating the trackequipment or depositing thereon a certain quantity of productspresenting lubrifying, anti-rust and weather-proofing properties.

These products or compositions are, in known manner, in the form of arelatively viscous, even very viscous or even consistent paste,transported in recipients and applied on the appropriate parts of thetrack equipment with the aid of a tool such as a trowel, a supple metalspatula or a brush.

This prior-art modus operandi presents numerous drawbacks.

In the first place, the nature of the product used, and moreparticularly its high viscosity, combined with the tools employed,obliges the operators to work either on their knees or with their legsstraight and their back bent down towards the ground. It will be readilyunderstood that such postures are extremely tiring and toilsome.

In the second place, the known techniques of application of suchmaintenance products are extremely long. In fact, by way of example, themaintenance of a simple switch requires 45 minutes for two persons. Thisrelatively long duration, multiplied by the number of switches to bemaintained, if only on a station site, involves immobilizing a largenumber of persons for extremely long periods, incompatible with economicimperatives. This is all the more true as an extra person is generallynecessary to ensure safety of the team effecting the maintenanceoperations.

In the third place, the known products, apart from their relativedifficulty of application, as mentioned above, are not satisfactory fromthe standpoint of maintenance and keeping in repair. In the case ofswitches, it is known that the mobile part thereof moves on a bearing.The known products, taking into account their high viscosity and theirnature, applied on the bearing and the mobile part, do not perform theirrole of lubricant for the following reason. During manoeuvre of theswitches, the mobile part passes from a first extreme position to asecond extreme position and, on doing so, provokes an effect of sweepingthe bearing and more precisely an effect of the "windscreen wiper" typewhich in fact ends in wiping to some extent the bearing and thereforeremoving the lubricating product. This in itself already goes againstthe purpose aimed at. This sweeping or wind-screen wiper effect presentsanother extremely damaging consequence, namely that the product ispushed towards the extreme positions of the mobile part of the switchesand it accumulates at the extreme positions. The accumulated product,subjected to bad weather, finishes by hardening. The hardened productcannot be evacuated in these positions and this results in a blocking ofthe mobile part after some manoeuvres of the switches as the hardenedaccumulated product forms a stop which limits the movement of the mobilepart of the switches. This is extremely detrimental per se as the mobilepart is supposed to present a given clearance. A smaller clearance risksendangering the functioning of the device and therefore the trainslikely to pass over the switches. This limited clearance of the mobilepart of the switches raises another major difficulty. The mobile part ofthe track equipment is generally driven in motion by an electric motor.This latter is switched on remotely and is maintained in operation untilthe mobile part of the switches has passed over the stroke correspondingto the normal clearance of the mobile part. Now, the accumulatedproduct, after some manoeuvres, as described hereinabove, forms anaccumulation preventing the mobile part of the switches from continuingits stroke. The maximum stroke not having been attained, the motorcontinues to be supplied, while it is immobilized and can no longerrotate. This results in time in the motor being damaged, requiring theintervention of a specialized team and in the majority of cases,replacement of the motor. These effects are extremely damaging from thefinancial standpoint, due to the intervention of the maintenance teamwhich must intervene to repair the motor, besides the cost of thislatter.

Another difficulty associated with the use of track equipment is that,by definition, the latter is located outside and is subjected to badweather. As is known, the track equipment must be maintained every 3 to5 days depending on the frequencies of manoeuvre. This relatively highfrequency increases the cost of the maintenance operations. Moreover,these products harden under the effect of the atmospheric conditions,which requires a more frequent and fastidious cleaning to avoid anyrisks of breakdown.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this context, the present invention proposes a method, device andcomposition intended for keeping in repair and maintenance of trackequipment, such as switches for example, which make it possible toreduce the frequency of such operations, to carry the latter out in anextremely short time, with the resulting savings, while ensuringmaintenance of the lubricating properties of the product applied on thetrack equipment, for a long period. Likewise, the invention enablesthese maintenance operations to be carried out without fatigue and incomplete safety.

To that end, according to the invention, the method for maintainingtrack equipment, of the type comprising at least one mobile element anda stationary element called upon to bear against each other by a contactsurface, is characterized in that there is deposited on said respectivecontact surfaces a given quantity of a composition comprising at leastone body presenting lubrifying properties and a solvent with a highevaporation coefficient.

Deposit is preferably effected by projection of a cloud of product,vaporization, spray or extrusion.

The invention also relates to a device for maintaining track equipment,and comprising means for depositing on the contact surfaces of themobile part and of the stationary part of said track equipment, a givenquantity of a product presenting lubrifying properties and a solventwith high evaporation coefficient, said application means preferablybeing of the vaporization, spray or extrusion type.

Vaporization, spray or extrusion is preferably effected with the aid ofa pressurized gas with which said lubrifying composition is mixed andadvantageously with the aid of a time delay device.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device is constituted by anassembly portable on a man's back.

According to another aspect of the invention, the latter concerns acomposition for maintaining track equipment, and comprising on the onehand at least one body resenting lubrifying properties and, on the otherhand, at least one solvent with a high evaporation coefficient.

Said composition preferably comprises a basic oil, an agent improvingviscosity, a slipping agent, an anti-wear, antioxidant and anti-rustagent, an adhesive agent and a water-repellent (hydrophobic) agent.

According to a preferred form of embodiment, the composition comprisesby weight 20 to 80% of the composition described previously and 80 to20% by weight of a solvent with a high evaporation coefficient, such ashydrocarbon, oxygenated, chlorinated solvents, or any other appropriatesolvent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be readily understood in the light of the followingdescription, referring to an illustrative but non-limiting example ofthe invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a skeleton diagram of a form of embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show an overall view of the device, from the back and sideof the worn part of the device, respectively.

FIG. 4 shows a rear view of the carrying frame.

FIG. 5 shows the spray nozzle in active position.

FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of the spray switch; and

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the spray member from the front and the siderespectively.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention will be described hereinafter in an illustrative butnon-limiting embodiment and more particularly in an applicationconnected with the upkeep and maintenance of railway track equipment andmore particularly still of switches, without, of course, the inventionbeing limited to this application.

The device comprises a reserve of pressurized gas, bearing reference 10and a recipient 11 containing the lubrifying product, ready for use inliquid form. The lubrifying product is pressurized by communication ofthe reserve 10 with the recipient 11 via a functional unit calleddistributor 12, itself connected on the one hand, via a conduit 13 tothe gas reserve 10 and via conduit 14 to the container 11. The device ofthe invention also comprises a spray 15 disposed at the lower end of arigid tube 16 forming a spray nozzle. The length of the latter is suchthat it may be gripped by its upper end (opposite the spray) by a userwhile the spray 15 is disposed substantially at ground level where thetrack equipment to be maintained is located. In a variant, the container11 may contain product under pressure, in the form of a cartridge underpressure.

The spray 15 is of type known per se and is capable of allowing mixtureof the pressurized gas and the lubrifying product so as to generate aspray or vaporization containing the product mixed with pressurized gas.To that end, the distributor 12 receiving the pressurized gas from thereserve 10 is connected to the spray 15 via a conduit 17, while aconduit 18 connects the recipient 11 containing the lubrifying productto the spray 15. In the absence of pressure in the container 11, theproduct is extruded.

The spray nozzle 16 comprises, preferably at its upper end, a pneumaticswitch 19, connected on the one hand to the distributor 12 via a conduit20 and, on the other hand, to a time delay member 21 via a conduit 22.The time delay 21 is itself connected via a conduit 23 to a controlmember, such as a valve, bearing reference 24, and associated with thespray 15.

In this way, the assembly of the conduits connecting the differentmembers together conveys pressurized gas issuing directly or indirectlyfrom the reserve 10, with the exception of conduit 18 connecting therecipient 11 containing the lubrifying product and the spray 15.

It is understood that the representation of FIG. 1 is schematic and infact certain of the functional units group together multiple functions.This is the case for example of the unit 12 referenced hereinabove as adistributor, but which, in fact, may also comprise members for adjustingin particular the pressures of the product and the spraying pressure.

Schematically, the device operates as follows:

The reserve of pressurized gas 10 and the recipient 11 beingrespectively filled with pressurized gas and with lubrifying product,the user switches on the apparatus by triggering off supply openings(known per se). It is assumed that the preliminary adjustments of therespective pressures of gas, product and spray have been effected. Thesame applies to the adjustment of the time delay. By way of example, thepressure of the gas in the reserve 10 is of the order of 3 to 7 bars,the spraying pressure is from 0.5 to 3.5 bars, the pressure of thelubrifying product is from 0.5 to 3.5 bars, the time delay is of theorder of one second, and corresponds to the spray time.

The user places the device on his back (with the aid of carrying means(not shown in FIG. 1 and described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 2et seq.); the user grips the spray nozzle 16 at least with one hand. Ahandle is preferably provided near the switch 19 so that one of theuser's fingers, preferably his thumb, can actuate the knob 19A of thetiming switch 19.

In normal position, the switch is closed, which blocks supply of gas ofconduit 23 towards the time delay. Likewise, the valve 24 of the sprayis in normal closed position. By pressing on knob 19A of the switch 19,the user opens the circuit and in particular the conduit 23 connectingthe time delay 21 to the valve 24 closing the spray 15. In this way, thepressurized gas issuing from the reserve 10 is conducted via conduit 13,then distributor 12, then conduit 20, then conduit 22, then conduit 23towards the valve 24 which it opens. The duration of opening of valve 24is calculated by the time delay 21. The switch 19 is of thesingle-trigger type,which means that one single pressure on the knob 19Aprovokes opening of the circuit, whatever the effective time of pressureon the knob 19A. The valve 24 being open, at the level of spray 15, themixture issuing from conduits 17 and 18, respectively of pressurized gasand lubrifying product, is produced and is projected by spraying at thelevel of nozzle 15A of the spray 15.

The block in broken lines bearing reference 30 symbolizes the assemblyportable on a man's back.

The following description refers more particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3 in afirst step. The carrying assembly 30 includes, in accordance with theembodiment shown, a frame 31 constituted by a vertical plate 32 and ahorizontal plate 33 fixed at right angles on the lower edge of thevertical plate 32. The reserve 10 of pressurized gas, in the form of abottle of compressed air or nitrogen, known per se, is supporteddirectly by the horizontal plate 33 serving as base. A harness 34, knownper se and shown schematically in side view in FIG. 3 and in front viewin FIG. 4, is fast with the frame 31 and comprises in known manner ascapular padding 35 and two carrying straps 36, as well as a lumbarpadding 37 associated with two belt tabs 38 and 39. The carrying harness34 is known per se and is inspired from the carrying technique ofrucksacks.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show again the conduit 13 connecting he reserve 10 to thedistributor 12. This latter preferably comprises two valves/pressuregauges intended for adjusting the pressure of the product contained inthe recipient 11 and the spraying pressure, respectively. It should benoted that the lubrifying product is placed under pressure inside thecontainer 11 by the pressurized gas of the reserve 10 via the conduits13 and 14. The product pressure gauge bears reference 40 and the spraypressure gauge reference 41.

The conduit 13 connecting the reserve 10 of pressurized gas and thedistributor 12 is associated with means for adjusting the pressurecontained in the reserve 10, and also making it possible to close thesupply of pressurized gas issuing from the reserve 10. These means,known per se, bear reference 44.

The carrying assembly 30 is connected to the spray nozzle 16 via asupple pipe 45 inside which are disposed an assembly of five conduits,namely conduits 17, 18, 20, 22 and 23 (cf. FIG. 1). Conduits 20 and 22are connected to the time delay switch 19 described in greater detail inFIG. 6, while FIG. 5 shows an overall view of the spray nozzle 16.

FIG. 6 shows a part of the spray nozzle and in particular the median orupper median part including the time switch 19, just above which isdisposed a sleeve 46 allowing the user to grip, as shown moreparticularly in FIG. 5. The knob 19A is pressed by the user's thumb (cf.FIG. 5). The time switch 19 is for example fixed on a clamp 47 held byclamping on the spray nozzle 16.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a detailed view of the spray device 15 disposed atthe end of the spray nozzle 16.

Referring again to FIG. 1, it is observed that conduits 13 and 17conduct the pressurized gas from the reserve 10 towards the spray, whileconduit 18 conducts the lubrifying product towards the spray. Conduits20, 22 and 23 are used for controlling the valve 24 of the spray 15.

It is understood from the foregoing that the use of the device of theinvention is extremely easy and upkeep and maintenance of the trackequipment may be effected simply, rapidly, efficiently and withoutfatigue.

The invention also presents other advantages, in that, by using aproduct or a particular composition, it allows vaporization, spraying orextrusion of a lubrifying and maintenance product which is capable ofcomplying with the conditions and standards required for upkeep andmaintenance of track equipment such as switches.

The lubrifying composition proposed is such that it may be stored inconcentrated form, then, after mixture with an appropriate solvent,applied by vaporization, spray or extrusion on the equipment to bemaintained.

This presents an extremely important advantage, compared with the priorart, where the products proposed present an extremely considerableviscosity or consistency, which renders impossible or extremelydifficult the application of such products other than by hand tools, ofthe trowel, spatula or brush type, with the drawbacks already mentioned.

The invention proposes a lubrifying composition preferably comprisinglubrifying agents, in the form of a basic oil, for 20 to 80% by weightof the solution ready for use. The complement is constituted by asolvent, such as hydrocarbon, oxygenated, chlorinated solvent or anyother appropriate solvent. The ready-to-use composition preferablycomprises the concentrated product for 20 to 80% by weight.

Examples of compositions constituting the concentrated part to whichsolvent is added with a view to the application, are given hereinafter.

1) BASIC OIL (20 to 40% by weight)

Such as:

Mineral oil (paraffin, naphthenic, aromatic).

Animal, vegetable oil (in the natural state or polymerized oroxypolymerized).

Synthetic oil.

2) VISCOSITY-IMPROVING AGENT (25 to 60% by weight)

Such as:

Olefinic polymers and copolymers.

Acrylic polymers and copolymers.

Solutions of polymers based on methacrylic acid esters.

Natural gums or ones of microbial origin.

3) SLIPPING AGENT (0.5 to 4% by weight)

Such as:

Unsaturated fatty acid esters.

Vegetable and animal oil.

4) ANTI-WEAR, ANTIOXIDANT, ANTI-RUST AGENT (0.5 to 5% by weight)

Such as:

Partial phosphoric acid esters.

Ashless dithiocarbamates, dithiophosphates of amines, zincdialkyldithiophosphate or zinc alkyldithiophosphate.

Compounds based on phosphorus, sulfur, nitrogen and T.A.N.

Preparations based on alkylphosphate neutralized by an amine with anamino derivative and a derivative of phenol.

5) ADHESIVE AGENT (1 to 8% by weight)

Such as:

Additives of the polyisobutylene type, petroleum resins, colophonyesters.

6) WATER-REPELLANT--WATER-REPELLENT ADDITIVE (2 to 10% by weight)

Such as:

Amine salts

Imidazoline

Semi-ester of liquid oxydate converted into barium salt,or calcium salt.

Tests and experimental trials made by Applicants have shown that averageswitches could be treated in a few minutes by one person. Moreover,contrary to the prior art, it is no longer necessary to turn theswitches during the lubrifying operation.

Likewise, the maintenance frequency may be reduced to 15 to 20 days.Similarly, the prior cleaning operations are no longer imposed.

The composition of the invention allows its easy application, then, oncethe solvent has evaporated, there remains the active part of thecomposition which has been able to be spread uniformly over the contactsurfaces of the track equipment, without the detrimental, so-called"windscreen wiper" effect of the prior art appearing.

The invention is not limited to the described embodiment shown butincludes on the contrary all variants as mentioned in the Claimshereinafter.

For example, the invention may be applied to the upkeep and maintenanceof any track equipment or any other equipment requiring upkeep ormaintenance by application of a lubrifying product.

Likewise, carrying on a man's back may consist of a structure of therucksack type or an oxygen-bottle holding structure used in underwaterdiving.

Similarly, the speed of evaporation of the solvent is determined as afunction in particular of the climatic conditions of the place where theequipment to be treated is located.

Likewise, the device of the invention may treat the track equipment andits mechanisms (catches, switching bars, etc . . . ).

I claim:
 1. A method for maintaining railway track equipment comprisingat least one mobile element and a stationary element, each with acontact surface called upon to bear against that of the other element,this method being of the type comprising a step of depositing on saidrespective contact surfaces, a given quantity of lubrifying composition,said composition comprising at least one solvent with a high evaporationcoefficient such that only an active part of said composition which isspread uniformly on said contact surfaces remains and a wiping effect ofsaid mobile element removing said active part is eliminated, in additionto a body presenting lubrifying properties, said step of depositingbeing carried out by a device comprising means for pressurizing thelubrifying composition and means for deposition said lubrifyingcomposition substantially at ground level where the track equipment tobe maintained is located.
 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein thesaid depositing step consists in vaporizing, spraying or extruding saidcomposition.
 3. A method for maintaining track equipment as claimed inclaim 1 wherein said solvent with a high evaporation coefficient isselected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon solvents, oxygenatedsolvents and chlorinated solvents.
 4. A device for maintaining railwaytrack equipment comprising at least one mobile element and a stationaryelement, each with a contact surface called upon to bear against that ofthe other element, said device being of the type comprising meansadapted to deposit on the respective contact surfaces a given quantityof a lubrifying composition, said device comprising:a reserve 10 ofpressurized gas, a recipient 11 of the lubrifying composition adistributor 12 connecting the reserve 10 with the recipient 11,vaporization spray or extrusion means 15 disposed at the lower end of arigid tube 16 forming a spray nozzle, its length being such that it maybe gripped by its upper end by a standing user while the spray isdisposed substantially at ground level where the track equipment islocated, the distributor 12, being directly connected to thevaporization, spray or extrusion means 15 and the recipient
 11. 5. Thedevice according to claim 4 wherein the device also includes a timedelay member adapted to interrupt the application of said compositionafter a given time, corresponding to a given quantity of the compositionwhatever effective time of actuation by a user of the means fordepositing the composition.